Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

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  • Student spotlight

    “Pick classes based on what you’re most interested in, but also be open-minded. You never really know if you’re going to enjoy a class until you try it and university is a great time to expand your interests.”

    Maya Tittle, history student

History at UM

The study of history provides essential background for many disciplines and professions where research analysis, communications skills and an understanding of how past events influence the present are important. The department includes specialists in intellectual, cultural, social, medieval, Aboriginal, women’s and world history. A particular area of departmental specialization is Canadian and western Canadian history.

Skills you will gain by studying HISTORY

  • The ability to understand, interpret and describe past and present events using quantitative and qualitative methods
  • The ability to research current and historical events from a social, political and economic perspective
  • The ability to think critically and develop analytical arguments
  • The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

 

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
6 credit hours in HIST at the 1000 or 2000 level

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor or department advisor to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including History Students Association and Arts Student Body Council.
  2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the University of Manitoba ArchivesCanada’s National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 or 3000 level

Advanced: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 level

General: 12 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 level

* Check the general calendar requirements as all 3 streams MUST complete 3 different areas in History.

To do this year:

  1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Become a student affiliate with the Canadian Historical Association.
  4. Attend the Fort Garry Lectures/Manitoba Student History Talks.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Historical SocietyParks Canada and museums or historic sites.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study to Israel, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: HIST 3990, plus 6 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level

Advanced: 18 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level

General: 6 credit hours in HIST at the 3000 level and 6 credit hours in HIST at the 2000 or 3000 level

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a department advisor for honours program approvals.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
  4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Lower Fort GaryManitoba MuseumRiel HouseWinnipeg Public Library and Young Canada Works (YCW).

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job BankFind My JobIndeed and the Canadian Heritage Information Network.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Honours: 24 credit hours in HIST at the 4000 level

Advanced: 6 credit hours in HIST at the 4000 level

To do this year:

  1. Meet with a department advisor for Honours program approval.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the YCW Building Careers in Heritage program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders program through the International Centre.

Sample Jobs

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

Options requiring other education

 

What do employers want?

Industries such as archives, education, government, media and communications would value an history major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Industry specific knowledge
  • Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Select a Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Department of History, Faculty of Arts
Room 403 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-8401